How has this course assisted with your overall development as a graphic designer?

i don't even know where to begin. participating in this course has taught me several things, the most important i will say is to never doubt yourself or work, because if you don't believe in yourself why should anyone else. this course has also taught me how to take a simple idea from my mind, to a sketch pad, then turn it into something far more interesting. with assignments like the pointillism inspired shape assignment and the upcoming water animals assignment i have learned that you can't exactly be wrong with any art piece you create art is what you perceive it as, and only when you sit down and conceptualize you really want create it will other be able to see it the way you do or be able to appreciate it. also what is an art piece without a story behind it, the most frustrating thing personally for me is to ask someone what was there inspiration only to find out they really don't know or just did it because they had to that kind of turns me off knowing i saw so much more. this is why research is important if not having a story behind your art can turn a newbie like me off what say a more experienced artist. researching your topic for creation before making your art allows you to not only have a story behind it be understand it on a deeper level that also helps you to make a better piece. finally this course has taught me to challenge myself, if i want something done instead of waiting around for someone else to do it why not take matters into your own hand and try and do it for yourself, finding online tutorials are easy and the tools in illustrator with a practice are simple to use. so in all this course has helped me to grow as a graphic artist, it has helped me to understand just how much work is put into even something as simple as a company logo, it has taught me the importance of conceptualizing and researching as well as to always challenge myself, never doubt myself, and be able to follow my own initiative.